Antwerp’s Kras Speelt Festival Hosts Hundreds of Children

Why this is here: Nine-year-old Melia said she especially enjoyed being outdoors and playing the various games available at the festival.

Youth work organization Kras hosted hundreds of children at the free Kras Speelt festival in Park Spoor Noord, Antwerp, Belgium. The organization transformed the park into a large play zone featuring physical versions of games like Tetris and Pac-Man.

Kras aims to connect children with leisure activities in a low-threshold way, especially those who may have difficulty accessing them. Director Charisse Verberckmoes explains Kras operates support centers throughout Antwerp to bring children to events and introduce them to different forms of recreation.

The annual festival brought children from various neighborhoods together in one central location, with organizers hoping to help disadvantaged children feel a sense of belonging in the city. This year’s event marks the last time the festival will occur in its current format, as Kras is still determining how the event will look next year.